Context:
St. Francis Xavier’s relics draw thousands in Goa, India, for decennial exposition
St. Francis Xavier:
- Birth – April 7, 1506, in Xavier Castle, Navarre (present-day Spain).
- He arrived in Goa, India on May 6, 1542 and over the next 12 years led a series of overseas missions in the Portuguese Empire, including Mozambique, Malacca, and notably Goa.
- 1st Christian missionary to travel to Japan and on to Borneo and the Moluccan Islands.
- Death – December 3, 1552, on the island of Sancian (Shangchuan), off the Chinese coast.
- Key Contributions –
- Jesuit Order – One of the founding members of the Society of Jesus (Jesuit Order).
- Missionary Work – Known for his extensive missionary work in Asia, particularly in India, Japan, and the Malay Archipelago.
- Significance –
- Patron Saint – Considered the patron saint of missionaries.
- Feast Day – Celebrated on December 3rd each year, particularly in Goa, India, that marks the death anniversary of St Francis Xavier.
- A church in Goa is dedicated to him, and his feast day is a significant event in the region.
Source: Times of India
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
1. Francis Xavier was one of the founding members of the Jesuit Order.
2. Francis Xavier died in Goa and a church is dedicated to him there.
3. The Feast of St. Francis Xavier is celebrated in Goa each year.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Statement 2 is incorrect as Francis Xavier died of fever on the island of Sancian (Shangchuan, off the Chinese coast) on December 3, 1552.